The Pirates of Penzance

Having been highly entertained by HMS Pinafore(the last of the productions performed by this group), I immediately sat down to watch The Pirates of Penzance. When I first put in the DVD, they seemed to have done a recap of The Mikado, which made me think "did I put in the wrong DVD". Then the production started, without the overture but more a glimpse of "oh dry thy glistening tear..." going straight into "pour oh pour".

This Pirates of Penzance was highly entertaining for what it was, which was good tongue-in-cheek fun. "Purists" mayn't like it I agree, the orchestra is synthesised and some of the dialogue is added with a sense of improvisation too. But my advice is take it for what it is, that way you may enjoy it. I am a Gilbert and Sullivan fan, and especially of this operetta, and I certainly did enjoy it. As far as these G&S production go with this troupe, which was this, The Mikado and HMS Pinafore, I did prefer HMS Pinafore for its pace and energy, like I said in my review for that notice how the male chorus in general rarely stop moving, but as an overall operetta I am more fond of Pirates, then again it was also my first G&S.

My only real disappointment really was "Ah Leave me not to Pine". Don't get me wrong, it was beautifully sung by Simon Gallagher and Helen Donaldson, but I did find the overall speed too slow. Everything else though I enjoyed immensely. Even with the added dialogue, tempo and key changes, how the story unfolds and the various characters, it remained hugely entertaining and never stodgy right up to the last second. The costumes and sets are very good, with smooth transitions from set to set and the costumes at least look as though they belong in a G&S production.

The dialogue is often hilarious, especially the Pirate King's digs at the orchestra and conductor, which happened in Pinafore too, and the whole orphan/often exchange. There are also some inspired physical comedy, the funniest being the Major General and the flowers in the first act. The story while slightly standard perhaps in structure is so full of funny scenes, amazing music and droll lyrics you are past caring. And the choreography particularly with the policemen was camp but in a refreshing way, while the orchestration and arrangements were good.

The performers all give their all. Simon Gallagher is dashing and has phrasing(his long high note is phenomenal!) and a voice that makes your heart melt, and Helen Donaldson has a wondrous colouratura quality, any larger she would have been at home in Donizetti and Verdi. Ruth, played very well by Toni Lamond, is suitably sympathetic, the sisters were hilarious and the choruses sounded great. The comedic performers fared best though, Derek Metzger is a brilliant Major General not only perfectly nailing the mannerisms but the comic timing too, the chief policeman- a brilliant Tim Tyler- has a presence, flexibility and movement of the stage to die for, and while I think he was slightly overworked in "Cat Like Tread" Jon English's Pirate King is worth the DVD viewing alone, not only is his delivery spot on but he is a daredevil on stage.

All in all, very entertaining. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Just saw this for the first time (thank you Sky Arts!) I have always loved Gilbert and Sullivan so decided to tape it. I'm so glad I did! It was amazing! I've never seen any of the cast before so wasn't sure what to expect but they were all so good. Especially the purple-panted Pirate King, Jon English. His facial expressions had me in stitches and his energy!! I also loved the Police Sergeant, that man is made of rubber - is there anything he can't do!? They all looked as though they were having a great time hamming it up wonderfully! As someone said previously, if you're feeling down, watch it, I guarantee you won't be for long!

I only caught part of this show (from the Major General's entrance) on a recent showing on Sky TV in the UK and it restored my faith that G&S can be adapted with sensitivity for new audiences. I thought Jon English turned in a superb performance as the Pirate King and the comic scenes were played for all they were worth without (mostly) becoming unfunny. Choregoraphy - especially with the police in the second act was first class. A couple of minor quibbles - not sure why it was necessary to bring in the trio from Ruddigore - it seems fashionable these days to "cross-dress" so to speak and although this actually worked quite well it wasn't really necessary. The Swinglettes as a take off of the Andrews Sisters was superb but unfortunately it also meant that Edith was hardly distinguishable from the rest of the daughters when she has a decent part in the original score. Minor points, though, you could hear the audience absolutely loving it and it kept far enough on the traditional side of the line without being stuffy - Gilbert may have shuffled uncomfortably in his grave but he would not, I think, have turned right over. Well done all - even if it was thirteen years ago! Jonathon Clark, London

Having performed the role of "Ruth" at secondary school, I have many fond memories of "The PoP". This hysterical Australian version of the operetta had me laughing aloud. How wonderful to see the art of Gilbert and Sullivan brought forward around 100 years! The jokes, the facial expressions, the modernisms, the tempo and lyric changes, the movement... all done to entertain. My classical musician husband also watched and thoroughly enjoyed the humour and theatricals. My young children watched, sang along and laughed - consider the effect a Victorian operetta would normally have on 3 kids more interested in SpongeBob and Yu-Gi-O?! Days later they were still singing away. The adaptation works for me. But I'm not a purist. I like to have a bit of fun and colour in my life, I appreciate good singing (being trained myself) and I see no reason why I should drag my kids into Victorian times when it can travel towards us!

I caught up with this wonderful production via Sky arts, a few months ago and simply had to buy the DVD. what a joy.Played , I am sure with tongue very firmly in cheek. Such energy and enthusiasm from all the cast.Jon English, has spoilt the role of 'Pirate King' for me, I just cannot see anyone doing it better, and I love the purple pants. His interaction with the audience was spot on and very funny. The Major General played by Derek Metzger,was excellent, with brilliant comic timing,and I could hear every word in his patter song! Tim Tyler, as the 'Police Sergeant', had to be seen to be believed, surely he was made of rubber, and not a bad singing voice. 'Ruth', as played by Toni Lamont, the only cast member with a strong Australian accent, was very sympathetic, I felt for her, and would have given Frederic more that a bash on the backside. I even enjoyed her corpsing in Act II.The chorus of daughters, were very funny, almost but not quite upstaging the principals. 'Mabel', Helen Donaldson, looked as fragile as a China doll, with a beautiful soprano voice, trilling away in 'Poor wandering one'. Simon Gallaher as 'Frederic' was simply superb, a wonderful tenor voice with amazing breath control, how long was that note!!(he also produced the show.) My granddaughters of Ten and Seven,also adore this show and demand to view it at every visit, not bad for good old G&S.